Paying for college or university is not only about tuition fees. One of the biggest challenges students face is covering housing and living expenses such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, and personal costs. For many, these expenses can even exceed tuition itself, making higher education seem out of reach. Fortunately, a growing number of scholarships and funding programs go beyond covering tuition and provide support for living costs as well.
This article explores different types of scholarships that cover housing and living expenses, highlights notable examples, and provides tips for applying.
Why Housing and Living Expense Scholarships Matter
Even if tuition is fully funded, students often struggle to manage day-to-day costs. Renting a dorm room or apartment, buying groceries, paying for books, and commuting to campus can add up quickly. These financial pressures can lead to part-time jobs that distract from studies or, worse, force students to drop out.
Scholarships that include stipends for living expenses help reduce this burden, allowing students to focus on academics, internships, and personal growth without constant financial stress.
Types of Scholarships That Cover Living Expenses
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Fully Funded Scholarships
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These scholarships typically cover everything: tuition, housing, living stipends, travel costs, and sometimes even health insurance.
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They are most common in international scholarship programs designed to attract top talent.
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Housing-Specific Scholarships
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Some scholarships directly cover dormitory or off-campus housing costs. They may be funded by universities, housing foundations, or nonprofits.
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Stipend-Based Scholarships
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Instead of directly paying for housing, some awards provide monthly or yearly stipends that students can use toward rent, food, or personal expenses.
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Need-Based Living Grants
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For students from low-income families, certain financial aid packages include grants (not loans) to cover living costs in addition to tuition.
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Examples of Scholarships That Cover Housing and Living Expenses
1. Fulbright Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s or doctoral studies in the U.S. It not only pays tuition but also provides a monthly stipend that covers housing, food, and other daily expenses.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships cover tuition fees and also include a monthly living allowance, airfare, and housing support. It is designed for international students who demonstrate leadership potential.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international students in Germany. Recipients receive a monthly stipend (ranging from €934 for graduates to €1,200 for doctoral students) that helps cover rent, food, and health insurance.
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Canada)
This prestigious Canadian scholarship provides CAD $50,000 per year for doctoral students, which can be used not only for tuition but also to cover living expenses and housing.
5. Erasmus+ Program (Europe)
Erasmus+ is a European Union initiative that funds study-abroad opportunities. Students receive monthly allowances (generally €800–€1,200) to help cover housing, food, and travel while studying at partner universities.
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge University, including tuition, housing, and a generous living allowance.
7. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (USA – Stanford University)
This program supports graduate students at Stanford with full tuition, a stipend for living and academic expenses, and housing support.
8. Australia Awards Scholarships
These scholarships cover tuition, travel expenses, and provide a fortnightly living allowance to help students pay for accommodation and other costs in Australia.
9. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
This initiative supports talented but economically disadvantaged students from Africa and other regions. It covers tuition, housing, food, and personal expenses while fostering leadership development.
10. University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities around the world, such as Harvard, Oxford, and ETH Zurich, offer scholarships that cover both tuition and living expenses. Checking directly with the financial aid office of your chosen institution is always worthwhile.
Tips for Applying to Scholarships That Cover Living Costs
1. Start Early
Scholarships that include housing and living expenses are highly competitive. Deadlines often fall a year before the program starts, so planning ahead is crucial.
2. Highlight Financial Need and Academic Merit
Most programs seek students who demonstrate both strong academic potential and financial need. Clearly explain how funding will help you succeed.
3. Prepare Strong Application Materials
Well-written essays, recommendation letters, and a clear study plan make a big difference. Scholarship committees want to see commitment, leadership potential, and long-term goals.
4. Check for Country-Specific Opportunities
Many governments sponsor students from particular countries. For example, some Middle Eastern or Asian governments fully fund students to study abroad, including living expenses.
5. Look for Niche Scholarships
Beyond major programs, niche scholarships exist for students in certain fields (STEM, arts, education), backgrounds (first-generation, minority groups), or regions. These can also cover living costs.
Alternative Funding Options
If you are unable to secure a scholarship that covers housing and living expenses, there are additional options:
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Work-Study Programs: Many universities allow students to work part-time on campus to offset costs.
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Assistantships (for graduate students): Research or teaching assistantships often come with stipends that cover housing.
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Grants and Bursaries: Smaller grants may not cover everything but can reduce overall expenses.
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Employer Sponsorship: Some companies sponsor employees pursuing higher education, covering tuition and living costs.
Conclusion
Scholarships that cover housing and living expenses can be life-changing, removing one of the biggest barriers to higher education. Programs like Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD, Vanier, and Gates Cambridge prove that it’s possible to study without worrying about rent or groceries.
The key is to research thoroughly, prepare strong applications, and apply widely. Even if you don’t win one of the most prestigious awards, many universities and local organizations also provide support for living costs. With determination and planning, you can find funding that allows you to focus fully on your studies while enjoying the college experience without financial stress.